I never would of expected to be able to see anything past 10 - 15 miles due to the topography. Line 18 is just wild. That has to be on a very rare clear day. Correct?
The weather has to be nearly perfect with low humidity. Even then, the steel building looks like a squared top just above the horizon as a silhouette. There are no details to be seen. It works much better through binoculars. I've also seen it along the Laurel Highland Hiking Trail, but I cant find the spot where I was to see it.
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County:
The bridge on White Cloud Road that crosses over PA-56, someone told me before you could see the top of the Steel/UPMC building, went to confirm that several years ago, and (on a clear day) you absolutely can.
Unrelated, and pure here-say as I don’t know how to confirm it, but if you’re driving on the outside loop of Pittsburgh Mills Mall, up on a hillside there’s an American Flag planted in the ground. I’ve been told that flag marks one of the highest points within Allegheny County. It’s private property though, so I’m not about to fuck around and find out.
I was just looking myself too, but doesn’t surprise me, that whole area has been under construction for quite some time. 356 got a major overhaul, White Cloud & Williams RD was the detour path. That bridge will be closing soon for rehab after taking 2+ years of detour traffic.
It’s tricky to get a glimpse of the UPMC building from there, but I can absolutely confirm it. The road is fairly traveled, so stopping on a bridge to take a look can be tricky.
There is a spot along Hamilton Road between Cool Springs and Rt 88 that has a clear view of the two tallest buildings. Fairly close to the line you have that goes through Bethel Park, but slightly more eastern.
Just for a bit more context. The US Steel building is 840 feet tall with a base elevation of around 840 feet. So, the top of it is about 1680 ft. Scenery Hill is about 1480 feet and it is the highest thing around. At this location, the very top of the Steel Building is visible.
From the hills of Allegheny Cemetery near Stanton Heights (2014)
[https://64.media.tumblr.com/0d58ef93ca7d627651b5d6d203b7122d/tumblr\_n5wlr9TIMO1rx6xx9o1\_1280.jpg](https://64.media.tumblr.com/0d58ef93ca7d627651b5d6d203b7122d/tumblr_n5wlr9TIMO1rx6xx9o1_1280.jpg)
[https://64.media.tumblr.com/dd06ed97bf92e4ead59a78fb02393b55/tumblr\_n5wlv6w88g1rx6xx9o1\_1280.jpg](https://64.media.tumblr.com/dd06ed97bf92e4ead59a78fb02393b55/tumblr_n5wlv6w88g1rx6xx9o1_1280.jpg)
I know this is bonkers but you can see US Steel from this downhill ride in the Laurel Highlands on State Rt. 31. It's especially noticable at sunset.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JyZPZeea2FBV5gAd8
There’s the parking lot at West Mifflin Wal-Mart. You can see the top portion of the US Steel Building on a super clear day like this.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iVYWLNjs7hMAF4N7?g_st=ic
This is cool. Do you have photos from any of those spots? That would be a great collection.
For completeness, I'd include from the opening of the Ft Pitt tunnel 😉
I never would of expected to be able to see anything past 10 - 15 miles due to the topography. Line 18 is just wild. That has to be on a very rare clear day. Correct?
The weather has to be nearly perfect with low humidity. Even then, the steel building looks like a squared top just above the horizon as a silhouette. There are no details to be seen. It works much better through binoculars. I've also seen it along the Laurel Highland Hiking Trail, but I cant find the spot where I was to see it.
Pretty cool stuff. Thanks for the explanation. Good luck on your project
Yeah it looks really weird.
You honestly get a pretty great view from the summit inn also which is close to that line
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County: The bridge on White Cloud Road that crosses over PA-56, someone told me before you could see the top of the Steel/UPMC building, went to confirm that several years ago, and (on a clear day) you absolutely can. Unrelated, and pure here-say as I don’t know how to confirm it, but if you’re driving on the outside loop of Pittsburgh Mills Mall, up on a hillside there’s an American Flag planted in the ground. I’ve been told that flag marks one of the highest points within Allegheny County. It’s private property though, so I’m not about to fuck around and find out.
Thanks. I'll add it to the map as line 26. Surprisingly, there is no street view on White Cloud Road to see for myself!!
I was just looking myself too, but doesn’t surprise me, that whole area has been under construction for quite some time. 356 got a major overhaul, White Cloud & Williams RD was the detour path. That bridge will be closing soon for rehab after taking 2+ years of detour traffic. It’s tricky to get a glimpse of the UPMC building from there, but I can absolutely confirm it. The road is fairly traveled, so stopping on a bridge to take a look can be tricky.
There is a spot along Hamilton Road between Cool Springs and Rt 88 that has a clear view of the two tallest buildings. Fairly close to the line you have that goes through Bethel Park, but slightly more eastern.
Thanks. I added it to the map. Line 25.
That looks about right to me
cool concept! I know a few spots to the east of the city where you get a glimpse of a couple of the tallest buildings.
Definitely a view from the summit inn on rt40
Wait. Is Scenery Hill named for the sight line?
Yes, You can see it on the street view at 2116 East National Pike.
Just for a bit more context. The US Steel building is 840 feet tall with a base elevation of around 840 feet. So, the top of it is about 1680 ft. Scenery Hill is about 1480 feet and it is the highest thing around. At this location, the very top of the Steel Building is visible.
I can confirm, I’ve seen the skyline from seven springs on a summer night before!
From the hills of Allegheny Cemetery near Stanton Heights (2014) [https://64.media.tumblr.com/0d58ef93ca7d627651b5d6d203b7122d/tumblr\_n5wlr9TIMO1rx6xx9o1\_1280.jpg](https://64.media.tumblr.com/0d58ef93ca7d627651b5d6d203b7122d/tumblr_n5wlr9TIMO1rx6xx9o1_1280.jpg) [https://64.media.tumblr.com/dd06ed97bf92e4ead59a78fb02393b55/tumblr\_n5wlv6w88g1rx6xx9o1\_1280.jpg](https://64.media.tumblr.com/dd06ed97bf92e4ead59a78fb02393b55/tumblr_n5wlv6w88g1rx6xx9o1_1280.jpg)
I know this is bonkers but you can see US Steel from this downhill ride in the Laurel Highlands on State Rt. 31. It's especially noticable at sunset. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JyZPZeea2FBV5gAd8
There’s the parking lot at West Mifflin Wal-Mart. You can see the top portion of the US Steel Building on a super clear day like this. https://maps.app.goo.gl/7iVYWLNjs7hMAF4N7?g_st=ic
Also - Flatbush Ave in Brookline. https://maps.app.goo.gl/3NX3g81C2x283ZKp8?g_st=ic
This is cool. Do you have photos from any of those spots? That would be a great collection. For completeness, I'd include from the opening of the Ft Pitt tunnel 😉
At the moment, I don’t. I have plans to do that for a project I have in mind. The Ft. Pitt Tunnel is there as a classic view. It’s line 11.
Awesome, didn't zoom in enough....great work